COMMUNITY groups in Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood are encouraged to apply for a share of more than £10,500 to help support their activities.

Applications are being sought for the fourth and final round of Community First Funding in the ward.

More than ten voluntary organisations including Enlight Youth, Quarry Bank Children’s Centre’s Garden Gang, Saltwells Tenants and Residents Association, Quarry Bank Brownies and Rainbows, Christ Church and a children’s dance group have received a total of £22,998 in match funding through the government scheme which aims to help communities come together to plan for their futures.

Groups and organisations are invited to apply for the final round of funds as the four-year £80million national initiative comes to a close next March.

John Lines, chairman of Quarry Bank Community Association, said: “We’ve had around £33,000 to dish out over four years as part of the Community First Funding initiative.

“Groups are invited to apply for the remaining funds as soon as possible. If they are not taken up they will have to be returned to the government.”

For full details visit website http://www.quarrybank.org/community-first/communityfirst/